Best known for his raunchy Las Vegas routine, Buddy Hackett has also enjoyed substantial Broadway, film and TV success throughout the years. A short round kid with a smart mouth, he had every intention of going into the family upholstering business, despite having made his professional debut on the 'Borscht Circuit' at the age of 15, but upon returning to New York after World War II service, he began performing at clubs like the Pink Palace in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. Headlining at comedy clubs led to a starring role in the hit road production of "Call Me Mister" (1946) and his first foray
Made professional debut at the age of 15 at a small hotel in the Catskills (date approximate)
Served in the Army during World War II
Returned to NYC and began playing clubs like the Pink Palace in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn
Became a popular headliner in comedy clubs across the country, which led to a starring role in the hit road production of "Call Me Mister" (1946) and eventually a Hollywood contract
1948
Appeared as part of the constantly changing cast of the DuMont network's comedy-variety issue "School House", based on Gus Edwards' old "School Days" vaudeville routine which had featured such stars-to-be as Georgie Jessel, Groucho Marx and Ray Bolger, among others
